President Donald Trump’s campaign against some of America’s top law firms faced a sharp defeat on Tuesday. A federal judge in Washington struck down an executive order that aimed to punish WilmerHale, one of the nation’s most prestigious legal firms. This marks the third time this month that courts have ruled against similar actions taken by Trump.
The executive order targeted WilmerHale with severe restrictions. It included removing security clearances from the firm’s attorneys and banning its employees from entering federal buildings. These sanctions would have made it extremely difficult for the firm to represent its clients—especially in cases involving the government.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, who made the ruling, emphasized the importance of an independent legal system. He stated that the ability of law firms to take on unpopular or difficult cases is a fundamental part of American justice. He called the executive order a direct threat to that principle.
Judge Leon wrote, “The cornerstone of the American system of justice is an independent judiciary and an independent bar willing to tackle unpopular cases, however daunting. The Founding Fathers knew this!” He added that allowing the order to stand “would be unfaithful to the judgment and vision of the Founding Fathers.”
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In strong words, Judge Leon condemned the executive order as a serious attack on free legal representation. He wrote that the order imposed a “staggering punishment” on WilmerHale simply for engaging in protected speech. “The Order is intended to, and does in fact, impede the firm’s ability to effectively represent its clients!” he stated.
Judge Leon also pointed out that the message of the order was clear: “If you take on causes disfavored by President Trump, you will be punished!”
The order against WilmerHale cited the firm’s past connection to Robert Mueller, who previously led an investigation into potential ties between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. Mueller had worked as special counsel at the Department of Justice and was once employed by WilmerHale. This connection appeared to be a key reason the firm was targeted.
The ruling follows two earlier decisions this month that also blocked similar executive orders. Last Friday, a different judge struck down a similar order against Jenner & Block. Earlier in the month, Perkins Coie also won its case. In each case, the courts found that Trump’s orders violated constitutional protections and could not be enforced.
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WilmerHale Responds as Court Sides Against Trump
WilmerHale celebrated the court’s decision. A spokesperson for the firm stated, “The Court’s decision to permanently block the unlawful executive order in its entirety strongly affirms our foundational constitutional rights and those of our clients. We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients.”
These law firms argue that President Trump’s orders represent an attempt to intimidate those who oppose him. They say the actions threaten the core of the legal profession and discourage lawyers from representing clients or causes that might be unpopular with those in power.
Some firms, hoping to avoid similar sanctions, have agreed to settlements with the Trump administration. These deals often include promises to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in free legal services to causes the administration supports. Critics view these settlements as a way of forcing firms to fall in line.
The blocked orders are part of a larger strategy by President Trump to reshape parts of American civil society. By punishing perceived opponents, especially in the legal world, he has tried to send a message that going against him comes at a cost. But so far, judges like Richard Leon have stood firm in defense of the Constitution and the independence of the legal profession.